Real Madrid beat AEK Athens 3-2 with late Valverde winner
Real Madrid won 3-2 at AEK Athens in Matchday 4 of the Champions League league phase at the Allwyn Arena. Federico Valverde scored the winner in the 92nd minute, after AEK had moved 2-1 in front in the 75th.
AEK struck first. Aboubakary Koita opened the scoring in the 12th minute, set up by Luka Jovic. Jude Bellingham levelled in the 32nd from a Marc Cucurella assist, and the first half ended 1-1.
In the second half, Stavros Pilios put AEK back in front in the 75th, assisted by Koita. Three minutes later, Kylian Mbappé equalised from a Denzel Dumfries pass. Valverde made it 3-2 in the 90+2, with Brahim Díaz providing the assist. Koita was sent off in the 90+5.
The numbers explain the outcome. Madrid had 70% possession, 24 shots to 9, eight on target to five and seven corners to none. The xG was 3.4 to 0.95. AEK led twice, but could not hold on.
Goals
- 12' Aboubakary Koita AEK Atenas
- 32' Jude Bellingham Real Madrid
- 75' Stavros Pilios AEK Atenas
- 78' Kylian Mbappé Real Madrid
- 90+2' Federico Valverde Real Madrid
Match stats
Our prediction
Our preview went for a 1-3 scoreline and gave Madrid a 67% chance. Madrid won, but the game was tighter than we expected: AEK scored twice and the decider came in the 90+2.
Based on the table before this round (Madrid fifth on 9 points, AEK 27th on 3), Madrid move to 12 points and AEK stay on 3.
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